Rear Naked Choke

  • BJJ
  • Back Attacks
  • fundamental
  • Back control
  • 3 steps

The highest-percentage finish in grappling, slide an arm across the throat from the back and squeeze. Also known as the RNC, the Mata leão or the Hadaka-jime. Here is the exact breakdown from the DARCE app: 3 steps, the details that make it work, and the mistakes to avoid.

Step by step

  1. 01

    Back control

    Seatbelt grip and both hooks in, chest tight to their back.

    Rear Naked Choke step 1 of 3: Back control
  2. 02

    Slide the arm across the throat

    Slide your choking arm across the front of the neck until the elbow lines up with the chin.

    Rear Naked Choke step 2 of 3: Slide the arm across the throat
  3. 03

    Lock & squeeze

    Place that hand on your other biceps, the second hand behind their head, and squeeze your elbows together.

    Rear Naked Choke step 3 of 3: Lock & squeeze

Key details

  • Get the elbow centred under the chin so the arms close on the arteries.
  • Hand behind the head adds the squeeze, do not push the head forward only.
  • Keep chest pressure and hooks in so they cannot turn out.

Common mistakes

  • Choking across the chin/face instead of the neck.
  • Flaring the elbows instead of squeezing them together.
  • Losing the hooks and letting them turn in.

Related techniques

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